Navigating Negative Food Talk During the Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving from ATX Nutritional Counseling! We are so thankful for all our amazing clients and families that have made this year so special. Thank you for trusting us to walk alongside you in your journey to heal your relationship with food. Thanksgiving can be a day filled with joy, connection, and celebration. Yet for many, it can also bring feelings of anxiety and stress, particularly when it comes to food.

You know the aunt who insists on saying how “bad” she is being today for eating carbs or the grandparent who loves to comment on how much everyone else is eating. Not only can these comments be triggering for anyone working on healing their relationship with food, but it puts a damper on what should be a fun and enjoyable experience.  Who wants to have a side of guilt and shame with their Thanksgiving turkey? Not us!

While we cannot control what others say, we can protect our peace. Here are a few simple strategies to help you navigate uncomfortable or awkward food and body comments this holiday season:

1. Walk Away
You have full permission to leave a conversation that feels uncomfortable. A quick step outside for fresh air or shifting over to a different group can make all the difference.

2. Change the Subject
You don’t have to engage with negative food talk. Redirect the conversation to something uplifting, light, or more fitting for the dinner table.

3. Set a Boundary
It’s okay to be clear and kind. Try saying, “I’d prefer not to talk about diets or weight,” or “Negative food talk makes it harder for me to enjoy the meal, I’d love to focus on something else.”